'Catching Fire' sets November opening box-office record

Sequel to 'Hunger Games' rakes in enormous $307.7 million in both U.S. and Canada

The
story of a brave female archery champion struggling to set things
aright in a dystopian society evidently still entrances the world - or
at least those who buy movie tickets. The sequel to "The Hunger Games,"
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" broke all records for a movie opening
in the month of November. The sequel raked in $307.7 million in both the
United States and Canada alone.

The story of a brave female archery champion struggling to set things aright in a dystopian society evidently still entrances the world - or at least those who buy movie tickets.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Fans mobbed theaters for the second installment in the series starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, the skilled archer who becomes a beacon of hope for the repressed residents of the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem.

"Catching Fire" topped the $152.5 million opening for "Hunger Games" in March 2012 that established the series as a blockbuster franchise.

The new film marked the fourth-biggest domestic film opening in history. Playing in 65 markets around the world, "Catching Fire" also grabbed $146.6 million in foreign sales.

Most importantly, the sequel attracted a broader audience than the original "Hunger Games!" While being seen as being geared toward young people, the film did solid business with audiences over 25 years of age.

"The strength of the 'Hunger Games' franchise is not to be underestimated," Phil Contrino, chief analyst at Boxoffice.com says. "This property has clearly expanded its fan base in a big way both at home and overseas." There's little doubt the new film would shatter the first film's global take.

In the latest chapter, Katniss goes on a victory tour with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Due to their heroic actions, an underground movement has sprung for revolution - and at the behest of their wicked government are forced back to the arena to once again fight for their lives.

The "Hunger Games" series is based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins. Her third book in the trilogy will reach the big screen in two installments - "Mockingjay - Part 1" and "Mockingjay - Part 2" scheduled for release in November 2014 and November 2015.

The top ten at the nation's box office for this past weekend went like this:

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for July 2015
Universal: That political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity.
Evangelization: That, amid social inequalities, Latin American Christians may bear witness to love for the poor and contribute to a more fraternal society.

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